One of the world's busiest airports is shut down and flights around the Middle East are canceled as the region is rocked by air strikes in and around Iran.

Hundreds of thousands of stranded travelers are scrambling to make new connections and get through to airlines on jammed phone lines and online portals after the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel shut down much of the Middle East to air travel.

Thousands of travellers have found themselves stranded after aviation heavyweight Emirates cancelled all flights to and from Dubai on Saturday. The escalating tensions in Iran and the broader Middle East have triggered multiple regional airspace shutdowns affecting Dubai.

US Israel Strike Iran News: The Dubai-based carrier said passengers scheduled to travel before or on March 5 have the option to rebook their flights or request a refund.

British holidaymakers who were locked down in their hotels told ITV News that the situation was "terrifying" as audible explosions could be heard.

Simon Calder warned that, even if the major airports reopen, it will take some time for normal service to resume

Airspace has been closed and flights have been rerouted as the US and Israel launch an attack on Iran. Here’s what travelers need to know.

Flights to and from the UAE, Qatar, Israel and Bahrain are among those cancelled as Trump's war with Iran sparks tourist safety fears.